Embark on a scenic self-driving audio tour of Big Sur, California. Explore iconic landmarks, picturesque beaches, and breathtaking coastal views along the Pacific Coast Highway.
Embark on a scenic self-driving audio tour of Big Sur, California. Explore iconic landmarks, picturesque beaches, and breathtaking coastal views along the Pacific Coast Highway.
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Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park - Located in Monterey County, California, near Big Sur on the Central Coast, Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park spans about 1,006 acres. The park is centered around the Big Sur River and is affectionately called a “mini Yosemite.” Redwood trees in the park can live up to 2,200 years.
NOTE: The tour covers over 120 miles,…
- Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park - Located in Monterey County, California, near Big Sur on the Central Coast, Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park spans about 1,006 acres. The park is centered around the Big Sur River and is affectionately called a “mini Yosemite.” Redwood trees in the park can live up to 2,200 years.
NOTE: The tour covers over 120 miles, includes more than 70 audio stories, and takes approximately 2-3 hours to complete.
Enjoy new, lifetime access with no expiration. Use it anytime, on any trip, as often as you like.
- Point Lobos State Natural Reserve - Continue driving past Carmel to explore the natural beauty of Point Lobos Natural Reserve.
- Pacific Coast Highway - Enter the renowned Big Sur section of the PCH. The Pacific Coast Highway, also known as PCH, Highway 1, or Route 1, is one of the most scenic road trips in the United States.
- Partington Cove - A small, secluded inlet and rugged beach accessible via a dirt trail, wooden bridge, and tunnel.
- Garrapata State Park - The scenic drive takes us through Garrapata State Park, where we can stop to visit Garrapata Beach. Along the way, we’ll learn about the wildfires that frequently affect these forests.
- Bixby Creek Bridge - Our self-guided drive leads us to Bixby Creek Bridge, one of California’s most photographed bridges, known for its elegant design, graceful architecture, and stunning location. It is a reinforced concrete open-spandrel arch bridge.
- Point Sur State Historic Park - Continue driving while admiring and learning about Point Sur and the Point Sur Lighthouse.
- Andrew Molera State Park - The tour then takes us through Andrew Molera State Park, another natural marvel of this drive. We’ll also discover Big Sur’s literary significance.
- Pfeiffer Canyon Bridge - Bixby isn’t the only beautiful bridge in Big Sur; Pfeiffer Canyon Bridge has its own unique charm.
- Pfeiffer Beach - Pfeiffer Beach in the Big Sur area is off the beaten path but well worth the detour. Just south of Big Sur Station on Highway 1 is the unsigned Sycamore Canyon Road, which winds down to the shore.
- Grimes Point Scenic Overlook - Grimes Point Scenic Overlook offers one of the best views of the Big Sur coastline. It’s easy to see why people are drawn to Big Sur.
- Seal Beach Scenic Overlook - Our self-guided drive takes us to Seal Beach Overlook, where, as expected, we’ll spot some sunbathing seals.
- McWay Falls - Another must-see stop is McWay Falls, a stunning 80-foot-tall waterfall on the coast of Big Sur in central California that flows year-round.
- Big Creek Bridge - Next, we drive over the Big Creek Bridge, a 589-foot-long, open spandrel, concrete deck arch bridge connecting this scenic, mountainous coast.
- Big Creek Cove Vista Point - Big Creek Cove Beach is located under the Big Creek Bridge on Highway 1 along the Big Sur Coast. The Landels-Hill Big Creek Reserve is adjacent to the creek, along with the California marine protected areas named Big Creek State Marine Reserve and Big Creek State Conservation Area.
- Limekiln State Park - Our tour continues to Limekiln State Park, featuring beaches, forests, and more.
- Pitkins Curve Bridge - As we cross the Pitkins Curve Bridge, we’ll learn about the landslides, mudslides, rockfalls, earthquakes, and other natural disasters that continue to challenge the PCH infrastructure.
- Jade Cove - Jade Cove features a beach filled with nephrite jade.
- Nathaniel Owings Memorial Redwood Grove - Nathaniel Owings Memorial Redwood Grove is one of the largest redwood stands for miles. Did you know that the coastal redwood is the tallest living thing on the planet? It’s true! These giants can grow to around 350 feet, as tall as a 35-story building!
- Ragged Point - The stretch of highway between San Simeon and Ragged Point is among the most picturesque in the world. The road follows where the majestic Santa Lucia Mountains meet the Pacific Ocean, offering breathtaking views at every turn. As you drive to Ragged Point, you’ll feel like a star in your own private car commercial on Highway 1.
- Piedras Blancas Light Station - As we drive past the Piedras Blancas Lighthouse, we’ll have the option to stop and take a detour for a visit.
- Elephant Seal Vista Point - Nothing compares to the Elephant Seal Vista Point. The Northern Elephant Seal, the largest seal in the northern hemisphere, migrates to the rookery twice each year. While offshore, the elephant seal spends eight to ten months diving up to 5,800 feet deep for up to two hours. During the remaining months, they mate, give birth, molt, and rest onshore between trips.
- Hearst Castle - As we drive through San Simeon, we’ll have the option to detour to Hearst Castle. Conceived by William Randolph Hearst, the publishing tycoon, it was built between 1919 and 1947.
- Moonstone Beach - Moonstone Beach Drive offers a beautiful detour along Moonstone Beach. Don’t worry, you’ll be able to get back on the highway easily!
- Nitt Witt Ridge - The one with the blue paint and all the terraces? That’s Nitt Witt Ridge, a unique landmark in Cambria.
You might not notice at first glance, but much of that house is built from trash. Seriously! It was constructed by an eccentric artist named Arthur Harold Beal, who had a peculiar fascination with garbage. He actually worked as a garbage collector in the mid-1900s and used some of what he collected to build his home. Beer cans, car rims, washer drums, you name it, are incorporated into the structure of the house.
- Morro Bay - Finally, we’ll reach Morro Bay, San Luis Obispo, and Pismo Beach, where this segment of our PCH tour concludes. You’ve now experienced the beauty of Big Sur!

- Self-guided audio tour through our easy-to-use mobile app.
- Private tour experience for your family, in your own car.
- Works offline with GPS route guidance and automatic audio stories.
- Hidden gems and local stories included along the route.
- Flexible tour: start, stop, and pause anytime during your trip.
- One purchase covers everyone in your…
- Self-guided audio tour through our easy-to-use mobile app.
- Private tour experience for your family, in your own car.
- Works offline with GPS route guidance and automatic audio stories.
- Hidden gems and local stories included along the route.
- Flexible tour: start, stop, and pause anytime during your trip.
- One purchase covers everyone in your car, not per person.
- Lifetime access: use the tour anytime and keep it for future trips.
- Planning tools, route maps, scenic stops, and area previews included.
- Support is available via chat, email, or phone if you need help.
- Just bring your car and phone; the app guides your tour.
- Self-guided tour — no live guide. Entrance fees, parking, food, and car rental are separate.
- Self-guided tour — no live guide. Entrance fees, parking, food, and car rental are separate.
Purchase a single tour for each vehicle, not for each individual. Everyone can enjoy the experience together!
Embark on the legendary Big Sur road trip with a self-guided driving audio tour! As you travel, discover the enchanting cottages of Carmel, the unique purple sand at Pfeiffer Beach, and the massive elephant seals at San Simeon. Cross the iconic…
Purchase a single tour for each vehicle, not for each individual. Everyone can enjoy the experience together!
Embark on the legendary Big Sur road trip with a self-guided driving audio tour! As you travel, discover the enchanting cottages of Carmel, the unique purple sand at Pfeiffer Beach, and the massive elephant seals at San Simeon. Cross the iconic Bixby Bridge, admire the stunning McWay Falls, and take in the breathtaking views along the Pacific Coast Highway / Route 1. Big Sur is the most picturesque part of the Pacific Coast Highway, a must-see road trip, which can be started from either Monterey or San Luis Obispo.
After booking, check your email or text messages to download the separate Audio Tour Guide App by Action while connected to WiFi or mobile data. Enter the password, download the tour, and enjoy it offline. Follow the audio instructions and route from the specified starting point.
New, lifetime access with no expiration. Use it anytime, on any journey, as often as you like.
- Important Note: Highway 1 (Pacific Coast Highway) is closed between Big Sur and Ragged Point due to repairs from the Regent’s Slide. This 6.8-mile stretch is impassable. For current updates, visit the Caltrans site
- As of April 16, 2025, the Overlook Trail to view McWay Falls at Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park is closed due to a long-term retaining wall repair project. The project is expected to continue into 2026 and will also limit parking spaces within the park. At this time, the only available viewpoint for McWay Falls is a small roadside viewing area along Highway 1. The Ewoldsen Trail remains open.
- Easy to use: GPS-triggered audio plays automatically along the route for a hands-free experience.
- Private tour: Explore in your own vehicle without crowded buses or large tour groups.
- At your own pace: Start anytime and pause for hikes, picnics, photos, or scenic stops.
- Works offline: Once downloaded, the tour works using GPS without Wi-Fi or cellular service.
- Good value: One purchase covers everyone in your vehicle, not each person separately.
- More ways to save: Choose a single tour, a nearby bundle, or access to 200+ tours.
- Download in advance: Download the Tour Guide app by Action and tour while connected to Wi-Fi or a strong cellular signal.
- Follow the route: Begin at the suggested starting point or join anywhere along the route shown in the app.
- Lifetime access: Preview the tour before your trip and revisit the stories, photos, and details afterward.
- Supported devices: iPhone with iOS 15+, Android with version 9+, or a GPS-enabled iPad/tablet with cellular capability.
- Travel Advisory: A section of Highway 1 in Big Sur is currently affected by closures and restricted through traffic due to the Timber Fire. Travelers should check the latest road conditions before starting their trip, as closure points and access restrictions may change based on fire activity and evacuation conditions.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.